David saw in Abner not only a great warrior, but also a means by which the long war between David’s men and Saul’s could have been shortened. Joab’s vengeance ruined those hopes. It also put David’s reputation in Danger. David was wise to spend extra time and effort proving that Abner’s death was not at David’s command. If he had not, the gains made by Abner before his death would have been complete losses.
LORD, give us wisdom to protect our reputations, so that your name is not blasphemed.
Saul’s death brought about the first political division of the people of Israel. While the men of Judah accepted David as their king, General Abner made Saul’s son Ish-bosheth king instead. The result was that men who knew each other and had fought together were now enemies and were pursuing each other. This is dramatically portrayed by the telling of the incident where Abner is forced to kill Asahel. At a time when the nation needed healing and leadership, it was turning on itself.
LORD, forgive us for our tendency to self-destruct. Lead us to peace and mutual love.
The looter who came into David’s camp with news of Saul’s death thought that he would get a reward. He thought his reward would be greater if he took the credit for Saul’s suicide. But all David saw was the anointed of the LORD, killed by an Amalekite. Even though Saul had done much to tarnish his reputation and bring disrespect to his person, David still honored his position.
LORD, may our respect for you result in respect and honor of those whom you have placed in authority.
The leader chosen by the Israelite people dies a shameful death, loses all his fighting men, his sons, his armor bearer, and his bases camps. The body of one who was expected to rescue the people from the Philistines had to be itself rescued. The anger and envy that had destroyed his family finally destroyed him – and put his country in danger. It is a serious thing to presume to lead others while not dealing with your own sins. They will find you out.
Oh LORD, forgive us our sins. Purify us, so that we might serve and lead with integrity. May such a dismal day of sin’s consequences never come to us.
There are times of change in our lives that force us to make decisions when we have little past experience upon which to base those decisions. David finds himself in one of those times. His time among the Philistines is over, and he can only pack up and leave. Then, his base camp is raided and the families and property are all taken. David enquires of the LORD.
LORD, when we need answers, we will bring our prayers to you.
The Bible consistently describes the intermediate state between death and resurrection as an unconscious sleep, from which good and evil must be awakened before beginning to experience their eternal destiny. This story seems to contradict that theology, but it really does not.
Death is not the reward for which the believer seeks. We seek that reward in resurrection life. The story of the medium at Endor is the exception that proves the rule.
LORD, we wait for you, not our deaths. You are our rescuer and redeemer. We long to put on our heavenly dwellings, our immortal bodies.
David escapes to Gath, putting himself out of reach of Saul. This allows for Saul to be the means of his own destruction. Meanwhile, David and his six hundred men continue to raid the towns of the Philistines, and in so doing are actually completing the judgment that God commanded Joshua. In time, the king will return. For now the nation must wait.
LORD, while we wait, keep us faithful to your commands.
David took a spear and a water jar as evidence that he – once again – came close enough to Saul to kill him, but spared his life. His confidence was in God’s ultimate judgment. Since he was God’s man, his enemies were God’s enemies, so he felt no need for revenge.
LORD, we declare our trust in you. We refuse to seek revenge, We leave justice in your hands.
Abigail was caught between two men, acting on emotions and not acting wisely. She chose the route of discretion, and interceded for Nabal by presenting David with gifts. She rescued both men that day. David recognized how wise she had been, and chose her to be his wife after Nabal died. Her gift of discernment was more valuable that her beauty. Young men, look for ladies with discernment.
LORD, give our young men the wisdom to look for discerning wives.
Both David and Saul see narrow escapes in these chapters. David escaped because he learned of Saul’s pursuit in time for he and his men to get out of his way. Saul escaped because David chose not to kill him, but to merely cut off a corner of his robe, to show him that he could have, but did not. Saul appears to have learned his lesson, but we have heard him repent before. What shines through most vividly in this story is the difference in character in these two men.
LORD, you have helped us escape many times from harm that was coming to us. May we learn the lessons meant for us.
2 Samuel 3
1 Samuel 29-30
1 Samuel 28
1 Samuel 27
1 Samuel 26
1 Samuel 23-24
